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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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 ANALYSIS 
6

Obama Could Be Most Powerful President Ever

44 enjoys rare mix of crisis, popularity, and an office at its peak

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(Newser) – Barack Obama enters office today with a realistic shot of becoming one of the most powerful presidents in history, writes Barton Gellman in the Washington Post. Historians and officials in the outgoing and incoming administrations agree the presidency is already at or near an apex of power, and Obama’s popularity, combined with the many crises he faces, could push his authority yet higher.

George W. Bush in particular pushed executive power to its limits, but Congress’ influence was dwindling even before that. “He certainly comes into office with a very powerful set of executive authorities,” says the leader of Obama’s transition team. “Political power gives him the capacity, I suppose, to kind of roll over his opposition.”

The cover of Newsweek's special inauguration issue.
The cover of Newsweek's special inauguration issue.   (Newsweek)
President-elect Barack Obama speaks at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station on Saturday before his inaugural whistle-stop train trip to Washington.
President-elect Barack Obama speaks at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station on Saturday before his inaugural whistle-stop train trip to Washington.   (AP Photo)
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The opportunity is there for Obama to recast the very nature of the presidency. Not since Reagan have we had as capable a persuader as Obama.
- Sean Wilentz, presidential historian at Princeton

Historians, recent White House officials and senior members of the incoming team expressed broad agreement that Obama begins his term in command of an office that is at or near its historic zenith. - Barton Gellman

Political power gives him the capacity, I suppose, to kind of roll over his opposition, but he's shown a keen understanding that lots of change comes when you have dialogue.
- John Podesta, head of Obama's
transition team

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christine_m
Jan 20, 09 9:49 AM CST
Although I firmly support Obama, I hope that the executive powers get rolled back-- Seeing how Bush expanded them and abused them, especially with the use of signing statements, has been frightening. Never before have we been as close as becoming a dictatorship as we have under Bush. I love the Constitution, and I love having three equal branches of government. It's time to have it again. Reply
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infidel
Jan 20, 09 9:56 AM CST
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Mad
Jan 20, 09 5:00 PM CST
I only wish Obama was as Liberal as republicans keep crying he is. I wish Obama would totally sh!t on the republicans so they can have just a hint of the filth that Bush shoved down Americas throat over the past 8 years Reply
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Lula
Jan 21, 09 12:31 PM CST
I agree with you Mad. It will take him the first 4 years to clean up the mess Big George left. Reply
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Doctor_Zaius
Jan 23, 09 9:58 PM CST
Yes Infidel. How dare the Dems tweak the rules in the congress they control, especially after how nicely the Republicans treated them for 12 years. How did George Bush put it? Oh yeah, there are consequences to losing elections. Sure sucks now that the shoe is on the other foot doesn't it? Reply
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